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either as a single significant principle or as an element of a total system of morality,
which itself is an element of a complete religious supersystem.
In view of this, the following passages must be taken only as representative
selections from the Qur’ an, rendered and interpreted by human endeavors which,
inevitably, fall short of the perfection of the original and complete version of the
Book.
Serve God, and join not any partners with Him; and do good; - to parents, kinsfolk,
orphans, the needy ones, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the
companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and what your right hands possess
(captives, slaves, animals, birds, etc.): For God loves not the arrogant, the
vainglorious; - (Nor) those who are niggardly or enjoin niggardliness on others, or
hide the bounties which God has bestowed on them; for We have prepared for those
who resist Faith a punishment that steeps them in contempt; (Nor) those who spend of
their substance, (out of hypocrisy) just to be seen of men, but have no faith in God
and the Last Day. If any take the Evil One for their intimate what a dreadful intimate
he is! (4:36-38).
Say (O Muhammad): ‘Come, I will rehearse what God has (really) prohibited you
from’ : join not anything as equal with Him; be good to your parents; kill not your
children on a plea of want; for We provide sustenance for you and for them; … . And
come not near to the orphan’ s property, except to improve it, until he attains the age
of full strength; give measure and weight with full justice; no burden do We place on
any soul, but that which it can bear; and whenever you speak, speak justly, even if a
near relative is concerned; and fulfill the Covenant of God. Thus does He Command
you, that you may remember. Verily, this is My Way, leading straight; follow it;
follow not (other) paths: They will scatter you about from His Right path. Thus does
He command you, that you may be righteous (6:151-153).
God commands justice, the doing of good, and kindness to kith and kin; and He
forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that you may
receive admonition. Fulfill the Covenant of God when you have entered into it, and
break not your oaths after you have confirmed them; indeed you have made God your
surety; for God knows all that you do . . . . Whoever works righteousness, man or
woman, and has Faith, verily, to him will We give a new Life, a life that is good and
pure, and We will bestow on such (workers) their reward according to the best of their
actions (16: 90-91, 97).
Invite (all) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue
with them in ways that are best and most gracious; for your Lord knows best, who
have strayed from His Path, and who are truly guided (16:125).
Who is better in speech than one who calls (others) to God, works righteousness, and
says: ‘I am one of those who bow in Islam’ . Nor can Goodness and Evil be equal.
Repel (Evil) with what is best. Then the one between whom and you there was hatred
will become as it were your friend and intimate! (41:33-34).
Whatever is given to you (here) is (only) a convenience of this Life. But that which is
with God is better and more lasting. (It is) For those who believe and put their trust in
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